(Read Time: 2.5 min)

We’ve all heard the saying patience is a virtue. It turns out, patience is a skill that truly does improve your life…

And while most people seem to intuitively understand that having patience is a good thing, it’s helpful to take a closer look at why patience is an attribute that’s important to strive for.

At its heart, patience is a function of self-control. It’s the reflection of your ability to wait for something in a calm, controlled manner. 

Having patience often goes against our instincts, which makes it something that people have to practice in order to master… just think about how a 2-year-old reacts to having to wait. It’s a skill that must be learned!

Here are some of the reasons that patience is a virtue that’s worth pursuing:

Patient People Have Better Mental Health

Did you know that those who are skilled at being patient enjoy better mental health than those who lack this skill? 

This one is actually pretty obvious. Whenever you think of someone who is impatient, you tend to think of a red-faced, angry individual with steam coming out their ears. Certainly, that’s not beneficial!

On the other hand, when people regularly practice patience in their daily lives, they are less likely to be depressed. 

Patient people are much better at coping with their emotions in stressful situations than those who are impatient, and they experience less anger.

Patience Improves Your Relationships

People who are patient tend to have more friendships, and their relationships with others tend to last longer. 

Impatient people are hard to spend time with. 

If we’re being honest, they can be draining. They expect instant gratification, and it can be stressful to deal with.

When it comes to friends, patience is seen as an act of kindness. It’s a gift that lets both parties enjoy less stress.                                                                                                                                                      

Indeed, research suggests that patient people tend to be more cooperative, more empathic, more equitable, and more forgiving. 

Patience Helps You Achieve Your Goals

Life is full of waiting, which isn’t fun for any of us. The road to success is a long one, and those who don’t have patience are often not willing to walk it. 

Studies have also shown that patient people are more willing to take the necessary steps in getting things done and are less likely to procrastinate. 

Because they are willing to take small steps over time, patient people tend to make more progress toward their goals. 

Action Points

Patience often goes unnoticed by others… but is incredibly obvious when others lack it. 

The benefits of patience make this virtue an important one to practice…here are some action points you can take to help build patience:

• Ask friends or family members how you’re doing in this area. Then, really listen to what they have to say.

• Notice when other people are being patient and compliment them for it. This both increases your awareness of patience in others and lets them know you appreciate it.

• When you’re feeling frustrated or want to quit, take a deep breath. Remind yourself that this is an excellent opportunity to practice the art of patience!

• Reward yourself when you choose patience over frustration or instant gratification.

Nobody enjoys frustration, adversity, and delayed gratification… but when we are patient it will not only make life more pleasant but also move us toward a more successful future.

And, the good thing about life is, you’re sure to get plenty of opportunities to practice!